Abstract: A submarine is provided with an upwardly directed drilling device (12, 12?). The drilling device (12, 12?) is arranged in a pressure hull (4) of the submarine and has a drill (14, 14?) which can be extended out of the pressure hull (4) through an opening (10) arranged on the upper deck of the submarine. The drill has a drilling head (42, 42?) which forms a closure body which closes the opening (10) of the pressure hull. The drill functions to drill a hole from under an ice sheet to allow occupants of the submarine to exit through the hole.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a transmitting device and a receiving device, in which the transmitting device generates a signal including information and transmits the signal by electromagnetic waves and ultrasonic waves in the same frequency in parallel, and in which the receiving device extracts the signal from at least one of the electromagnetic waves and the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting device and acquires the information included in the extracted signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a conduit to a subsea structure includes a frame connectable to the subsea structure by a docking mechanism, a conduit handling mechanism on the frame to facilitate positioning of the conduit for attachment to the subsea structure and a second docking mechanism for attaching a mobile manipulating device to the frame. In use, the mobile manipulating device connects to the conduit by means of a pull-in rope on a winch, and travels under its own power to the subsea structure while paying out the pull-in rope. There, it docks with the frame and the pull-in rope is reeled in by the winch on the mobile manipulating device. The conduit is then connected to the subsea structure by the conduit handling mechanism on the frame. The invention also includes the method of attaching a conduit to a subsea structure using the described apparatus.

Abstract: To install a modular seabed processing system (1) on a seabed, a monopile foundation (3) is first lowered down and driven into the seabed. A docking unit (4) is lowered towards the installed foundation (3) so that a mating clamp system (6) mounted on the docking unit is aligned with a spigot (5) on the foundation. The clamp system then clamps the spigot to fix the docking unit onto the foundation. Flowlines (2) and an electrical power connector plug (18) are connected to the docking unit. A first retrievable substantially autonomous module (8) is lowered and connected to the docking unit (4) by a multi-bored connector (10, 11) and the plug (18) on the docking unit is engaged by a corresponding socket (17) on the module. Isolation valves (14, 16) in the docking unit and module are opened so that the module (8) is able to act on fluid received from the flowlines (2) via the multi-bored connector (10, 11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting vessels which have equal or different internal pressures, or which are surrounded by equal or different pressures to permit transport between the connected vessels. An articulating apparatus for connecting vessels which comprises: (a) a first vessel having on one side thereof an orifice; (b) a first rotary bearing and seal associated with the circumference of the orifice; (c) a first hollow wedge shaped segment having first and second sides with a first side thereof rotationally associated with the first rotary bearing and seal; (d) a second rotary bearing and seal associated with the second side of the first hollow wedge-shaped segment; and (e) a second hollow wedge-shaped segment having first and second sides with a first side associated with the second rotary bearing and seal, the second hollow wedge-shaped segment being capable of rotation relative to the first hollow wedge-shaped segment.

Abstract: A plurality of containers are combined in a stepped manner into a container group. Each container opens downwardly. They are sunk under water and anchored to the bed of the sea. A notch is formed at a lower portion of a side wall of each container connected to the next container so as to permit air to pass therethrough. Air is supplied into the interior of the lowermost container. The air is delivered to upper containers one after another through the notches and accumulated in all interiors of the containers. A staircase is disposed in a position spaced from the container group by a predetermined distance. A diver can use the space between the staircase and the container group. Furthermore, a diver can step down from the uppermost container to the lower ones one after another, so that he can also get deep into the sea without any scuba equipment or air accumulator.

Abstract: Access apparatus between a first and second chamber (1, 2) located at greater water depths, which chambers have equal pressure, lower than the water pressure, particularly an access apparatus (4) between an underwater vessel (1) and a chamber (2) at an installation on the seabed. The invention is characterized in that it comprises first and second concentric tubular elements (7, 5) designed for engagement as a telescopic cylinder, a hydraulic system for controlled actuation of the telescopic cylinder and at least on the free end of the first tubular element (7), a spherical mounted mating flange (12).

Abstract: A one-atmosphere underwater modular system is provided. The modular system comprises components which can be manipulated and attached to one another through use of a submarine or the like. A variety of components are provided including: a maneuvarable submarine component; a bottom frame; a two-connection module; a one-connection module; and christmas tree modules. A variety of means and methods for connection in various orientations is disclosed. The system is specifically adapted for use in the recovery of natural resources, such as for oil and gas recovery.

Abstract: A jackdown tension leg platform is set forth which may be used for processing a commodity liberated from the ocean floor by one or more wells. The platform includes a closed buoyant hull which houses production equipment and at least one connector disposed on the hull for vertical relative movement. The connector has one end secured to the ocean floor and is moved upwardly relative to the hull to submerge the hull to a depth below the majority of the ocean's hydrostatic forces and, at the same time, tension the connector to hold and stabilize the hull over the wells. Conduits are connected between the wells and the submerged hull and between the hull and the surface. A crew module may be provided above the surface atop the connector with a trunk disposed between the module and submerged hull to provide access therebetween.

Abstract: A submersible watercraft has at least one watertight hull and a diver-exit vessel adapted to accommodate a diver is detachably connected to the watercraft by a sealable diver-exit port which enables divers to pass between the diver-exit vessel and the watercraft. The diver-exit vessel has a buoyancy and hauling apparatus such as a pair of ropes link the diver-exit vessel to the watercraft when the diver-exit vessel is not docked at the diver-exit port.

Abstract: A method of welding the ends of submerged pipes in a gaseous atmosphere at any depth comprises isolating the ends of the pipes by introducing obturators therein and then introducing the pipe ends into an open topped receptacle which is capped with an underwater personal carrying intervention unit. The closed receptacle is filled with gas and then a sleeve is positioned between the ends of the pipes and welded to the pipes.

Abstract: The invention relates in improvement in or relating to a stand-by service structure for casual off-shore attendance. The service structure comprises an emergent articulated column pivotally connected with its submerged bottom end to a base member resting on the sea-bed. Said column is fitted with a base member module such as a base member with a workshop caisson comprising at least one opening giving access to the sea-bed and adapted to be closed in fluid-tight relationship. Furthermore, said workshop caisson is adapted to directly communicate at least temporarily with the outer atmosphere at the water surface.

Abstract: An off-shore underwater observatory comprising a lower, submerged observation gallery fitted with at least one observation window and having a ceiling with an opening through which the observation gallery is accessible, and a body of water on top of the gallery such that the combined weight of the structure and the water exceeds the buoyancy. An annular skirt may depend from the ceiling in extension of said opening to a level which is below the head level of a person standing in the gallery, the upper edge(s) of the window(s) not exceeding the lower edge of said skirt.

Abstract: A system for welding the ends of submerged pipes in a gaseous atmosphere at any depth comprises isolating the ends of the pipes by introducing obturators therein and then introducing the pipe ends into an open topped receptacle which is capped with an underwater personal carrying intervention unit. The closed receptacle is filled with gas and then a sleeve is positioned between the ends of the pipes and welded to the pipes.